Fun News from the Red Cottage Kitchen

If I have gained nothing else from my blogging journey so far there are three things that have made this journey both scary and exciting at the same time. The scary is that I have had to learn to step outside my comfort zone. The second is of course all the people who are following along on this journey with me, leaving comments, following along on Facebook, Twitter or Blog Lov’n or sending a supportive email! And, then their are the wonderful bloggers who have become “virtual” friends that one day I hope to get a chance to meet in person.

Without these blogger friends I don’t think I ever would have had the nerve to apply to be a permanent co-host of one of my favorite linky parties. Because there is always a little part of me that feels “just not worthy” to run with the big guns, if you will. Blogs I have been following from afar before even blogging myself. Never in a million years did I think I would be chosen, but went ahead and applied anyway, and……………………………wait for it…………………

…………………….you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got a Facebook message from the host suggesting I check my spam folder, she had sent me an email. I checked straight away to find that I had been accepted as a permanent co-host and was I still interested. I think I was taken aback by the fact that someone I don’t even know had faith in my ability and chose me. I certainly did not want to let her down.

The conversation with myself went something like this…Oh, my, yes, I think so, can I do this, I have never co-hosted a link party before, I am not technically inclined, I shouldn’t have applied, I don’t know enough about HTML, how does it work, I will fail miserably, she wants me to send her a picture, oh my giddy aunt, ….this is what went through my head in the initial 30 seconds of reading the email. Then, a deep breath, and the little voices of all those blog friends encouraging me and reassuring my decision to jump in with both feet!

Oddly enough the most difficult thing….the dreaded picture. This is way outside my comfort zone. I am the one hiding behind others in pictures. To say I am camera shy is an understatement. But, mission accomplished!

I cannot tell you how wonderful the host of this party has been in accepting my perceived shortfalls and talking me through step by step. Genuinely kind and sharing in her knowledge and skill. I no longer feel like a newbie in high school trying to fit it! After a few emails back and forth, the excitement took over from the doubt and I haven’t looked back.

So, without further adieu I am so glad to introduce you to a new feature each Tuesday on The Red Cottage Chronicles…

I, along with 9 other exceptionally talented bloggers will be hosting Tasty Tuesdays! The ultimate link party where…..

Of course there are a few simple “rules”, which just ensure that everyone who links up will benefit from the exposure…

I will wait until Tuesday to unveil all 10 party hosts, and the blog buttons but in the meantime get thinking about what yummy creation you are going to link up next Tuesday! Just one link gets spread across all 10 blogs. I can only imagine how hard it will be to pick my favorites!

Can’t wait to welcome you to the party!

In the meantime I will be busy in the kitchen this weekend with Christmas baking. Sunday I will be posting my recipes for chocolate tartlets with caramel and peanut butter cream!

Aw Maureen! 🙂 You’re an excellent fit for the party & I’m delighted that you wanted to host with me! When I published that form asking people to sign up, I thought I would get maybe 5 or 6 people. Never in a million years did I think the turn out would be what it was! I’m so happy you’re in this with all of us & can’t wait to keep getting to know you & grow our bloggy friendship! Also, you said “oh my giddy aunt” teehee. LOVE that expression!

I read this the other day but it was from my phone so I didn’t get a chance to respond. Needless to say, I’m just now getting a chance to leave you a message. Congratulations on your being picked as a co-host.I’m so excited for you! I can’t wait to link up on Tuesdays….whenever I make something! I’m so thankful our paths have crossed in this huge blogging world. Glad you finally posted a picture. You shouldn’t hide behind the camera….you are beautiful!